To video or not to video

There has been a steady decline of people using videographers in recent years due to the cost of hiring a videographer for a video that’s often seen only a few times and then stored away indefinitely. Photographs are great for remembering that special day by recreating those special moments in your memory, but there’s nothing more powerful than seeing and hearing the actual moments that not only bring back memories, but also allow future generations to experience the sights, sounds and feelings you felt that day.

In a nationwide survey of newlyweds conducted by the Wedding and Event Videographers Association (WEVA), an overwhelming majority recommended that brides have their weddings videotaped. Of the surveyed brides who did not have their weddings videotaped by anyone, 38% ended up regretting it, and 63% of these regretful brides recommended that future brides hire a professional videographer.

The first thing you should do when looking for someone to shoot your wedding is to look at samples. Once you have seen these and have found a style that you like, here are some simple questions you can ask to find out if this videographer is right for your special day:

What is your approach in telling our story? Will it be shot like a documentary, like a scripted movie or something in-between?

How many hours will you be with us on our wedding day? This is usually the point in the process where the amount of hours would be based on your budget. Also, how big will your video crew be at the wedding? Based on the agreement, you may need to provide meals for the crew.

What type of cameras do you shoot with? With the popularity of HD, asking if they shoot HD is not enough—your cell phone can shoot in HD. However, a professional-grade camera can capture video in a higher quality. For example, a poorly lit church can be captured in high quality video, whereas with a lower grade consumer camera, it could be grainy.

At the wedding venue, will there be a lot of equipment, such as lights and boom microphones. Some brides do not mind the big production. However, you might want a more low-key production on your special day. Also, will you coordinate with our other services, such as D.J, photographer, etc.?

How long will the editing process take before we see the final product? You should discuss your expectations of when you want the film delivered. Some films could take three months and others could take up to a year.Do you use licensed music? If the company does not, that could result in large fees and ultimately could put them out of business before you get your product. It also would make it hard to share your film on any website.

How will the final product be delivered, and will you supply a web-based video along with the DVD? Some professionals may offer to put the film on YouTube or Vimeo for you to share on your social media sites or via email.

Although I believe that any level of videography (even with iPhones) is better than none, I feel that having a professional filmmaker tell your story through motion, sound and music will result in a bigger emotional impact, both for you and for your future generations.
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